Volunteers work in various capacities in the University Medical Center. Mandatory training is required. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. A variety of volunteer activities are available, including direct contact with patients, helping with families and visitors, or working behind the scenes.

Various opportunities are available at Martha Jefferson. Martha Jefferson accommodates volunteers, and they will customize the project to fit the particular volunteer. Work set hours, work from home, or on call. Volunteers are needed for many different departments, such as Cancer Center Services, Clinical Services, Administrative/Clerical Services, the library, the gift shop, the hospitality cart, Surgery Family Lounge, Emergency Department Lounge, Patient Information Desk, Patient Registration Desk, Customer Service Desk, Patient Advocacy Program and other special projects.

This local nonprofit group offers emotional and practical support to those living with AIDS/HIV and all others affected by the epidemic. The program also works on prevention of AIDS/HIV through education. Volunteers are needed for the Big Buddy program to provide support and mentoring for clients' children, to help clients with domestic tasks such as shopping and cooking, to work in the office, to serve as committee members, and to help with fundraisers such as the AIDS Walk in April and the Creative Charlottesville Auction in November.

Charlottesville is unusual in supporting a free medical clinic for the "working uninsured" who make too much money for other public assistance. Started in 1992 by two UVA medical students, this clinic relies heavily on volunteers from the medical community. Non-medical and medical volunteers are needed. There are daytime and nighttime opportunities. For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 295-0008.

Hospice of the Piedmont provides care for terminally ill patients and their families through interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals and volunteers. Emphasis is on controlling pain, enhancing the quality of life and supporting the emotional, spiritual and practical needs of the entire family. Trained volunteers offer companionship and practical support to families, run errands, help with shopping, transportation, etc. Volunteers undergo a total of 27 hours of training (nine training meetings for three hours each time).

Help with local events in Charlottesville such as the Relay for Life, held in May, and Daffodil Days, held in January. Volunteer opportunities are also available with The Road to Recovery program. Call or visit the website.

There are many volunteer opportunities available through the National MS Society. Volunteer opportunities range from helping with the MS Walk held in April to being a library assistant. Other opportunities include: data entry, bulk mailer, peer counselor, speaker or facilitator for an educational program, and support group leader.

In October 2011, more than 250 people walked in the AIDS Walk coordinated by the AIDS/HIV
Services Group, raising $30,000 for the charity. Go to the website or call the group directly for details of future walks.